Adjustable buoyant system

ABSTRACT

A buoyant system reconfigures into an assortment of functional and ornamental configurations for supporting a user or object, creating an ornamental effect, and regulating buoyancy. The system adjustably reconfigures into an eclectic assortment of shapes, support structures, entertainment utilities, and ornamental objects while retaining buoyancy in a fluid. A frame member forms the base frame for the system. The frame member includes a plurality of hollow, lightweight, air filled tubes that join at a plurality of junctions. Each tube can rotate, swivel, bend, extend, retract, or detach to adjust the configuration of the system. A buoyant member, such as foam, encapsulates the frame member to provide a protective, aesthetic exterior shell. The buoyancy can also be adjusted by manipulating the volume and number of tubes and buoyant member, and releasing air from within the tubes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an adjustable buoyant system. More so, the adjustable buoyant system adjustably reconfigures into an eclectic assortment of functional and ornamental configurations while remaining buoyant in a liquid and supporting both buoyant and nonbuoyant attached objects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

Typically, flotation involves phenomena related to the relative buoyancy of objects and people. The device may include a personal flotation device is piece of equipment designed to assist a wearer, who may be either conscious or unconscious, to keep afloat. Also, the flotation may be used for toys, such as arm rings for children and rubber characters that float in beaches and swimming pools for safety and entertainment.

It is well known that Poly vinyl chloride (PVC) is used in construction because it is more effective than traditional materials such as copper, iron or wood in pipe and profile applications. PVC pipes can be fused together using various solvent cements, or heat-fused, creating permanent joints that are virtually impervious to leakage. PVC pipes can be hollow and lightweight.

Often, a foam is a substance that is formed by trapping pockets of gas in a liquid or solid. A bath sponge and the head on a glass of beer are examples of foams. In most foam, the volume of gas is large, with thin films of liquid or solid separating the regions of gas. Styrofoam is a buoyant type of foam.

Both foam and polyvinyl chloride tubes that are hollow may be combined to form a floatation device. A system to reconfigure the floatation device into a plurality of functions and shapes could be useful.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a buoyant system that reconfigures into an eclectic assortment of functional and ornamental configurations efficacious for supporting a user or object, creating an ornamental effect, and regulating buoyancy. In some embodiments, the system may adjustably reconfigure into an eclectic assortment of shapes, support structures, entertainment utilities, and ornamental objects while retaining buoyancy in a fluid. The system may also adjust a buoyancy capacity by adjustably increasing and decreasing the volume of a hollow frame member, and releasing air therefrom. Additionally, the system may attach to both buoyant and nonbuoyant objects while floating, thereby increasing the potential functionality and ornamental designs that may be created therefrom.

In some embodiments, the system comprises a frame member that forms an adjustable support structure for the system. The frame member comprises a plurality of hollow, lightweight, air filled tubes that are efficacious for forming a rigid framework for the system, while simultaneously floating on a fluid. The plurality of hollow tubes joins together at a plurality of junctions. The configuration and spacing of the plurality of junctions in relation to the plurality of tubes dictate the shape and dimension of the system. The plurality of junctions enables each hollow tube to pivotally rotate, bend, extend, retract, and detach at the appropriate junction. This flexibility allows for sufficient adjustability in the system to alter the shape and dimensions of the system, and also to regulate the volume, and therefore the air, inside the hollow tubes. Additionally, the number and diameter of the plurality of tubes may be altered to adjust the buoyancy and structural integrity of the system. In this manner, different types of objects may be supported in the fluid.

In some embodiments, at least one buoyant member forms an outer shell that at least partially encapsulates the hollow frame member. The at least one buoyant member may align and encircle along a longitudinal axis of the plurality of tubes and junctions to form a protective, and aesthetic shell. The buoyant member may include a material that is sufficiently lightweight for enabling the system to remain buoyant in the fluid, and also sufficiently flexible to conform to the changing shapes and dimensions of the frame member. In one embodiment, each buoyant member may be configured to encapsulate a specific tube in the frame member. However, in another embodiment, each buoyant member may be configured to encapsulate various sizes, shapes of the adjusting frame member. The buoyant member may include a plurality of pores to further reduce the weight of the system. Additionally, the buoyant member may comprise a soft texture such that a user may grasp onto the system comfortably while floating. The buoyant member may include, without limitation, foam, Styrofoam, polystyrene, closed-cell polyurethane foam, rubber, a nanocellulose-based aerogel, and cork.

Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the buoyancy that the system experiences is an upward force exerted by a fluid that opposes the weight of the system immersed in the fluid. For example, in a column of fluid, pressure increases with depth as a result of the weight of the overlying fluid. Thus a column of fluid, or the system submerged in the fluid, experiences greater pressure at the bottom of the column than at the top. This difference in pressure results in a net force that tends to accelerate the system upwards. The magnitude of that force is proportional to the difference in the pressure between the top and the bottom of the column, and is also equivalent to the weight of the fluid that would otherwise occupy the column, i.e. the displaced fluid. For this reason, if the system comprises a density that is greater than that of the fluid in which it is submerged, it would sink. Conversely, if the system is either less dense than the liquid or is shaped appropriately, as in a lightweight hollow frame member and a buoyant member, the force can keep the system afloat.

The adjustable nature of the system provides myriad functional uses. For example, without limitation, the system may be shaped into a buoyant lounge chair having an adjustable seat back which can be manually set through a range of recline angle positions from fully extended, in which the pool chair functions essentially as a buoyant mattress or body float, to a fully folded, minimum profile configuration for storage purposes, and to facilitate handling and shipment. The pivot point for reclining the buoyant lounge chair includes a pair of T-junctions that enable the appropriate tubes to swivel to a desired angle of inclination. This movement translates into angles of recline adjustment as the tubes pivot about the common T-junction.

A first aspect of the present invention provides system for reconfiguring into a eclectic assortment of functional and ornamental configurations while floating in a fluid, comprising:

a frame member for forming an adjustable structural support for the system, the frame member comprising a plurality of hollow tubes, the plurality of hollow tubes comprising a buoyancy for at least partially enabling the system to float, the frame member further comprising a plurality of junctions, the plurality of junctions being configured to join the plurality of tubes, the plurality of junctions being configured to at least partially enable the plurality of tubes to rotate, and/or swivel, and/or bend, and/or extend, and/or retract, and/or detach; and at least one buoyant member, the at least one buoyant member being disposed to at least partially encapsulate the frame member, the at least one buoyant member being configured to at least partially conform to a shape of the frame member.

In another aspect, the adjustable buoyant system comprises a floating toy that adjusts to support various body parts and form various shapes and dimensions. The system may also be configured to provide a secure floatation device that is easily grasped by a user.

In yet another aspect, the plurality of tubes includes ½″ polyvinyl chloride tubes that are light, hollow, and flexible. The plurality of tubes join at the plurality of junctions to bent, swivel, and rotate at angles from 0° to 180°.

In yet another aspect, the at least one buoyant member includes a substantially cylindrically shaped foam that encapsulates the frame member along the longitudinal axis of the plurality of tubes. The at least one buoyant member is sufficiently light and porous to enhance the buoyant characteristics of the frame member.

One benefit of the system is that it forms an inexpensive floatation system that does not require tools to reconfigure.

Another benefit is that the plurality of tubes and the at least one buoyant material are inexpensive and may be obtained from off the shelf sources.

In yet another benefit, the swiveling capacity of the plurality of junctions enables the system to potentially have a large variety of shapes and dimensions.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B presents detailed perspective views of an exemplary adjustable buoyant system, where FIG. 1A illustrates the system configured into a closed ring shape, and FIG. 1B illustrates the closed ring shape adjustably bending at an exemplary junction to form a gate for enabling disengagement from the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 presents an detailed perspective view of an exemplary adjustable buoyant system showing the at least one buoyant member partially encapsulating the frame member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 presents a top view of an exemplary junction attached to a plurality of tubes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 presents an detailed perspective view of an exemplary buoyant member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method for reconfiguring an exemplary adjustable buoyant system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

An adjustable buoyant system 100 is described in FIGS. 1 through 5.

The adjustable buoyant system 100 is, in essence a floating device that easily reconfigures into numerous shapes and dimensions without the necessitation of tools or superfluous components. The system 100 may also alter its buoyancy by regulating volume and air content within. In one embodiment, the system 100 reconfigures into an eclectic assortment of functional and ornamental configurations efficacious for supporting a user or object, creating an ornamental effect, and regulating buoyancy. A frame member 200 forms a structural base for the system 100. The frame member 200 is comprised of a plurality of tubes 202 that are sufficiently hollow and lightweight to enable the system 100 to be buoyant. The frame member 200 may also include a plurality of junctions 104 that enable the plurality of tubes 202 to rotate, swivel, extend, retract, and detach to perform a variety of manipulations for reconfiguring the shape and dimension of the system 100. The buoyancy is also adjustable in the system 100. For example, a few tubes 202 from the frame member 200 may be detached or formed into smaller sections to affect the volume, and consequently, the buoyancy of the system 100. The thickness of the at least one buoyant member 102 may also be altered to affect the buoyancy. In this manner, heavier objects may be supported in the fluid. Additionally, at least one buoyant member 102 at least partially encapsulates the frame member 200 to form a shell for protection and aesthetics to the system 100. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the system 100 may have an initial shape of a ring shaped flotation device for supporting a user. The system 100 may pivot at a junction 104 to form a gate for enabling the user to disengage from the system 100.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the system 100 comprises a frame member 200 that forms an adjustable support structure for the system 100. The frame member 200 comprises a plurality of hollow, lightweight, air filled tubes 202 that are efficacious for forming a rigid framework for the system 100, while simultaneously floating on a fluid. Suitable materials for the frame member 200 may include, without limitation, polyvinyl chloride, a rigid polymer, cork, wood, and rubber. The plurality of hollow tubes 202 joins together at a plurality of junctions 104 (FIG. 3). The plurality of junctions 104 may include, without limitation, T-junctions, elbows, and L-joints. The plurality of tubes 202 may be threaded at the extreme ends, and rotatably engage with the plurality of junctions 104 to form a union thereto. The configuration and spacing of the plurality of junctions 104 in relation to the plurality of tubes 202 dictate the shape and dimension of the system 100. The plurality of junctions 104 enables each hollow tube to pivotally rotate, bend, swivel, extend, retract, and detach at the appropriate junction 104. This flexibility allows for sufficient adjustability in the system 100 to alter the shape and dimensions of the system 100, and also to regulate the volume, and therefore the air, inside the hollow tubes 202. Additionally, the diameter of the plurality of tubes 202 may be altered to adjust the buoyancy and structural integrity of the system 100. In one alternative embodiment, a pump may add or remove air from the plurality of tubes 202 to adjust the buoyancy of the system 100. The plurality of tubes 202 may also be segmented or detached to regulate buoyancy for the system 100.

As referenced in FIG. 4, at least one buoyant member 102 forms an outer shell that at least partially encapsulates the hollow frame member 200. The at least one buoyant member 102 may align and encircle along a longitudinal axis of the plurality of tubes 202 and the plurality of junctions 104 to form a protective, and aesthetic shell. The buoyant member 102 may include a material that is sufficiently lightweight for enabling the system 100 to remain buoyant in the fluid, and also sufficiently flexible to conform to the changing shapes and dimensions of the frame member 200. In one embodiment, each buoyant member 102 may be configured to encapsulate a specific tube in the frame member 200. However, in another embodiment, each buoyant member 102 may be configured to encapsulate various sizes, shapes of the adjusting frame member 200. The buoyant member 102 may include a plurality of pores to further reduce the weight of the system 100. Additionally, the buoyant member 102 may comprise a soft texture such that a user may grasp onto the system 100 comfortably while floating. The buoyant member 102 may include, without limitation, foam, Styrofoam, polystyrene, closed-cell polyurethane foam, rubber, a nanocellulose-based aerogel, and cork.

Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the buoyancy that the system 100 experiences is an upward force exerted by a fluid that opposes the weight of the system 100 immersed in the fluid. For example, in a column of fluid, pressure increases with depth as a result of the weight of the overlying fluid. Thus a column of fluid, or the system 100 submerged in the fluid, experiences greater pressure at the bottom of the column than at the top. This difference in pressure results in a net force that tends to accelerate the system 100 upwards. The magnitude of that force is proportional to the difference in the pressure between the top and the bottom of the column, and is also equivalent to the weight of the fluid that would otherwise occupy the column, i.e. the displaced fluid. For this reason, if the system 100 comprises a density that is greater than that of the fluid in which it is submerged, it would sink. Conversely, if the system 100 is either less dense than the liquid or is shaped appropriately, as in a lightweight hollow frame member 200 and a buoyant member 102, the force can keep the system 100 afloat.

In some embodiments, the adjustable nature of the system 100 may provide myriad functional uses. For example, without limitation, the system 100 may be shaped into a buoyant lounge chair having an adjustable seat back which can be manually set through a range of recline angle positions from fully extended, in which the pool chair functions essentially as a buoyant mattress or body float, to a fully folded, minimum profile configuration for storage purposes, and to facilitate handling and shipment. The pivot point for reclining the buoyant lounge chair includes a pair of T-junctions that enable the appropriate tubes 202 to swivel to a desired angle of inclination. This movement translates into angles of recline adjustment as the tubes 202 pivot about the common T-junction.

The adjustable buoyant system 100 may utilizes a method 500 for reconfiguring into an eclectic assortment of functional and ornamental configurations efficacious for supporting a user or object, creating an ornamental effect, and regulating buoyancy. In operation, the method is described in FIG. 5, and may include an initial Step 502 of joining a plurality of tubes 202 at a plurality of junctions 104 to form the frame member 200. The plurality of tubes 202 may be threaded at the extreme ends, and rotatably join with the plurality of junctions 104. The configuration and spacing of the plurality of junctions 104 in relation to the plurality of tubes 202 dictate the shape and dimension of the system 100.

A Step 504 may include encapsulating the frame member 200 with at least one buoyant member 102. In some embodiments, at least one buoyant member 102 may form an outer shell that at least partially encapsulates the hollow frame member 200. The at least one buoyant member 102 may align and encircle along a longitudinal axis of the plurality of tubes 202 and the plurality of junctions 104 to form a protective, and aesthetic shell for the system 100. The buoyant member 102 may include a material that is sufficiently lightweight for enabling the system 100 to remain buoyant in the fluid, and also sufficiently flexible to conform to the changing shapes and dimensions of the frame member 200. A next Step 506 comprises immersing the system 100 in a fluid. The buoyancy of the system 100 may be tested at this Step 506. If the system 100 comprises a density that is greater than that of the fluid in which it is submerged, it would sink. Conversely, if the system 100 is either less dense than the liquid or is shaped appropriately, as in a lightweight hollow frame member 200 and a buoyant member 102, the force can keep the system 100 afloat.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the method 500 may further comprises a Step 508 of manipulating the plurality of tubes 202 at the appropriate junction 104. The plurality of junctions 104 enables each hollow tube to pivotally rotate, swivel, bend, extend, retract, and detach at the appropriate junction 104. A next Step 510 comprises reconfiguring the frame member 200 to form a second frame member 200. For example, without limitation, the system 100 may be reconfigured from a figure-eight shape, to a single ring by disconnecting the appropriate tubes 202 from the junction 104, and detaching one of the rings in the figure-eight shape. The method 500 may then move to a Step 512 of regulating the buoyancy of the system 100 through manipulation of the volume in the plurality of tubes 202, and altering the number of tubes 202 and buoyant member 102 s. For example, a few tubes 202 from the frame member 200 may be detached or formed into smaller sections to affect the volume, and consequently the buoyancy of the system 100. The thickness of the at least one buoyant member 102 may also be altered to affect the buoyancy. In this manner, heavier objects may be supported in the fluid. A final Step 514 involves floating the system 100 in the fluid. An eclectic assortment of objects may be supported by the myriad shapes and dimensions possible with the present invention.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.

The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b) requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. 

What I claim is:
 1. A system for adjustably reconfiguring into different functions, designs, and buoyancy capacities while floating in a fluid, the system comprising: a frame member for forming an adjustable structural support for the system, the frame member comprising a plurality of hollow tubes, the plurality of hollow tubes comprising a buoyancy for at least partially enabling the system to float, the frame member further comprising a plurality of junctions, the plurality of junctions being configured to join the plurality of tubes, the plurality of junctions being configured to at least partially enable the plurality of tubes to rotate, and/or swivel, and/or bend, and/or extend, and/or retract, and/or detach; and at least one buoyant member, the at least one buoyant member being disposed to at least partially encapsulate the frame member, the at least one buoyant member being configured to at least partially conform to a shape of the frame member.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises a floating toy.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured into a figure-eight shape.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to form a plurality of shapes and dimensions.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tubes comprise a polyvinyl chloride material.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tubes are hollow.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tubes are lightweight.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tubes comprise at least a ½ inch circumference.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of junctions comprise T-joints.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of junctions comprises elbows shapes.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of junctions are configured to join with each other and/or the plurality of tubes.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of junctions are configured to rotate.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of junctions are configured to swivel.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of junctions are configured to bend.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one buoyant member comprises a cylindrically shaped foam.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the cylindrically shaped foam is configured to follow a longitudinal axis of the frame member.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid comprises water.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is operable in a swimming pool.
 19. system for adjustably reconfiguring into different functions, designs, and buoyancy capacities while floating in a fluid, the system comprising: a frame member for forming an adjustable structural support for the system, the frame member comprising a plurality of hollow tubes, the plurality of hollow tubes comprising a buoyancy for at least partially enabling the system to float, the frame member further comprising a plurality of junctions, the plurality of junctions being configured to join the plurality of tubes, the plurality of junctions being configured to at least partially enable the plurality of tubes to rotate, and/or swivel, and/or bend, and/or extend, and/or retract, and/or detach; and at least one buoyant member, the at least one buoyant member being disposed to at least partially encapsulate the frame member, the at least one buoyant member being configured to at least partially conform to a shape of the frame member.
 20. A method for adjustably reconfiguring a buoyant system into different functions, designs, and buoyancy capacities while floating in a fluid, the method comprising: joining a plurality of tubes at a plurality of junctions to form a frame member; encapsulating the frame member with at least one buoyant member; immersing the system in a fluid; manipulating the plurality of tubes at the plurality of junctions; reconfiguring the frame member to form a second frame member; regulating the buoyancy of the system; and floating the system in the fluid. 